Our Review 4.0/5

The Krups Arabica Digital Espresso EA817040 combines an automatic Espresso pump with a manual milk frother. This gives us one of the cheaper bean-to-cup coffee machines at a whopping £500 but does the combination of automated and manual work? We think so.

The control panel at the Arabica Digital Espresso EA817040 front panel enables you to create a variety a different espresso’s very quickly. Just load the beans in the top container, press the button, and you are away. It also has a dual-mode that lets you make two espressos at once. Like most bean to cup machines, there is a slight configuration process needed to set up your profile. Still, once that’d done, it literally takes a couple of clicks.

One of the more unique characteristics is the manual steam wand. A lot of other Bean To Cup Models automatically froth your milk for you, but this can lead to mixed results. By giving the user control, it is slightly harder to learn. Once you do, you will be able to control the exact thickness/consistency of your drink. Very helpful for those who like an extra thick cappuccino. Some other reviews have commented that the steam wand is a little on the short side, and it’d make life easier if it was a little longer. But this doesn’t affect the quality of the steam, just means you’ll need to hold the milk jug close to the wand.

Cleaning and descaling this machine is also straightforward thanks to the automatic program that comes with it. Although you’ll need to read the manual, once you get the hang of it, cleaning this machine is remarkably easy.

Some coffee enthusiasts like to do it all themselves, while some like a computer to make their beverages for them. If you love Americanos or Espressos. And if you don’t care for milk or are already a master froth maker, then this machine may be perfect for you. It has the high quality and automation of more expensive bean to coffee machines but without the price. The only trade-off is the manual milk frother, which many would agree, isn’t a negative at all.